Saturday, 26 February 2011

I was schmoozing around YouTube t'other night and I found a fabulous tutorial that I decided to give a go. I can't remember her channel name but if you type in "Burning Sunset" into the search box, you'll find it. Anyhoo, I just wanted to show you how it turned out and I think I will definitely do it again.

I didn't follow her instructions to the letter, but that's the beauty of these things, you can adapt them to how you think they will suit you and experiment with colour a little bit. I felt inspired to try this after seeing at the MAC Event that 'Pop' colours are going to be tres on trend this year.

Below are snaps of products I used. I did use a few other bits and bobs and if you are uber interested do ask, but really I would say that if you wanted to recreate this, just play around with what you have and let your imagination run free!

(Grr blurry.)

For those not in the know, this is the 120 Manly Colour palette that I bought of ebay for about a tenner- best bargain ever!! I loves it.

A cheap and cheerful product for you today. As I have said five hundred and twenty million times, I love a bargain. Whilst perusing the stands in Superdrug a few weeks ago, I was thinking to myself how much I needed an apricot type blusher, as pink clashes with my very red skin tone.

I've never really been into blushers so I didn't want to fork out a lot while I'm still a novice, and this little number from NYC was the perfect solution. It was £2.99 on sale but is only usually £4.99, which wouldn't break the bank.

I love how appeasing it is to the eye, with the tessellating colours and reminds me a bit of a turtle shell. The packaging is nothing fancy but for the price, I'm more than OK with that. I like that it has a clear lid so I can easily see what it is when it is lost in the depths of my other makeup.

It applies VERY easily with a fluffy brush (the brush actually picks up quite a lot, as the photo shows, so do be sure to tap off excess and don't make my mistake hahaha) and blends well. It has terrific lasting power and works well to detract from my natural redness.

This shade is 'Peach Glow' and I bloomin' well love it! NYC also had other shades of Colour Wheel so I'm confident that you would find something to suit your skin tone too. I feel a new obsession coming along- eep!

As I mentioned in my recent Red Lipped FOTD, I was one very lucky lady and was invited to a tres swanky MAC Event at London Fashion Week on Saturday. Despite being 9 months pregnant, I knew this was not to be missed and waddled my massive self there and had the BEST DAY EVER!

There were 5 other gorgeous Beauty Bloggers there and I'm sure they will do a write up of the day, so check them out too- Milly, Princess Livia, Jen, Zara, Shirley and Sammi. I sat next to Milly and Jen and we had a hoot (after a brief scuffle with a very huffy woman at the fashion show who refused to move, despite us having tickets for those seats. I of course said rather firmly "Well I'm 9 months pregnant!" and sat down. Ha!). Jen and I had a little chitchat before the whole day got started and she seemed so nice, I could've talked to her for hours.

Oh how I wished I'd picked up some of these. You know how I feel about peacocks :(

So, I waddled in a few minutes early and was greeted at the MAC Media Booth by the really nice PR girls. You know when you see slim, pretty, 'together' type girls and you feel a bit intimidated? (this could just be me because I'm a bit larger and not Mrs Fashionista, but let me know if you get my drift). Well they were the opposite of this. They were sooooo friendly and offered me drinks and asked lots about Baby Glitter and how often I blog and all that kind of thing. I wish I'd taken a picture of them to show you.

Once everyone had arrived and we'd been served fancy nibbles (see embarrassing story at the bottom re canapes), we were shown a video on the upcoming makeup trends that we can expect to see for AW11. The three to look for are 'Pop', 'Raw' and 'Copper'.

Pop was described a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour, fluro, neon. Raw as skin that changes as it passes through light, muted pastels, texture and Copper as amazonian goddesses, seashell shades, 70's. I think Pop excites me the very most- fuchsia lips, here I come!!

After the video, we were introduced to Terry Barber, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC (oh me oh my) and he proceeded to show us one of the new looks that is going to be very on trend for AW11- reds, golds, yellows, rusts etc. Now, I was quite sceptical about how he was going to pull red off, but after working his magic, he bloomin' well did! It was watching this makeover that gave me the confidence to ask for a red lip look on my makeover.

Already prepped and primed and ready to go go go!

Bringing the red pigment out into the temples. Terry explained that for runway, you must really over exaggerate what your brushstrokes and be BOLD.

You see that red lipstick in Terry's left hand? It's a prototype for next season. The Makeup Artists often 'trial run' the prototype products-my dream job!

How beautiful does she look?! I thought she was one of the runway models and was totally shocked when she told me she wasn't and actually works in the Head Office!

He was really chatty all the way through, it was like listening to a chum really. He told us lots of interesting snippets from his experiences in the industry like how Diana Ross had the biggest false eyelashes he has ever seen and how Grace Jones did her own highlighting using foundation meant for whiter skin tones.

Terry's table. Ooohh I would've enjoyed a play with all that!
﻿

﻿Terry, The Bump and I.

After marvelling at his creativity and seeing the finished look, we were ushered off to watch the Betty Jackson catwalk show. I've never been to anything like this before and felt somewhat frumpy in my Next Maternity jeans, but alas, what can you do? It was great to watch and see all the outfits and do a bit of celeb spotting and all too soon it was over.

We headed back to the MAC Media Booth, where it was time for makeovers- yeeaaahhhhhh! I have already done my little post on this, which you can see HERE. I am now lusting desperately over Cherry Lip Liner, Red Russian Lipstick, Prep & Prime for lips and a Clear Lipglass. Oh dear.

I could have easily stayed in there all day and played with the makeup and chatted to everyone but I had to wizz off for a nice lunch with my Daddio at nearby Cotes Cafe. Have you been there? It was tres nice.

I know I keep saying it but the whole thing really was brilliant, by far the best thing I've ever been too and I can't thank the MAC Ladies enough for inviting me!

Of course you will all want to know about the AMAZING goodie bags (I know I always do anyway!), so I have done a YouTube video for you HERE and will no doubt be reviewing the products soon.

Toodlepip!

xx

As promised: I always try and be cool at these things, but never quite manage it. At the beginning, we were offered lots of very swish canapes and I thought "haha I'm not fooling for this, I won't pick something crumbly or something that I might not like (like at the Eyeko Event and I actually had to spit it into my hand when no-one was watching!!), I will pick something easy and sophisticated". So, I picked a little glass of berry smoothie. Wrong. It was really thick and yoghurty and I couldn't seem to get it out of the glass and ended up half licking it (bet that looked good) and half trying to knock it back like a shot. Needless to say, I did not look cool. *sigh*

Monday, 21 February 2011

This snap was actually taken 2 weeks ago at my Baby Shower (shall I do a post/video on this? I can't decide), so I'm a little bit bigger now.

Well since we last had a pregnancy catch up, A LOT has happened and I will try and condense it all down so as not to bore you to bits.

Physically

I'm bigger. A given! But now I just feel cumbersome and find I waddle about and huff and puff and can't really get up much speed. My usual 10 minute saunter to the midwife's centre has now turned into a 15 minute lumber. Sometimes I deliberately put my hand on my bump so people realise I'm not just walking funny, and that I am actually with child! haha.

About 2 weeks ago, I had a bit of a scare and went to hospital. I had been wizzing about and getting on with life, still working etc, and then I started to notice my tum was really tender and sore. I tried to sleep it off but after 2 days I was in agony and hadn't felt Baby Glitter move for some time. After quite a few calls to labour triage (honestly, you have to practically fight your way in there!!), they told me to come in and bring an overnight bag. I was really panicked at the thought of staying over but Matt was so calm and reassuring. After being hooked up to all the monitors and stuff, it turned out I had 1. Strained my stomach muscles by overdoing things and 2. Baby Glitter was back to back, and still is. Urgh. I'm doing all the exercises to encourage her to move but she's having none of it.

After feeling very smug about gaining no weight at all, I have now gained a stone. Oh well. I'm planning on breast feeding, eating healthy and exercising (I need a reason to take my swanky Silver Cross Pram on walks) so hopefully that will go. I'd like to loose a fair bit but won't bang on about it because diets and weight loss bore me zzzzzzzzzzz.

Sleeping is really rubbish now. I struggle to get to sleep and then only have it in small bursts because I either wake up needing the loo or have a really vivid dream. I'm trying not to nap during the day (I'm on maternity leave now) so I can sleep at night but it's tricky.

There have been a few other little physical things, but at the risk of giving you a bit too much info, I'll leave it! haha.

Emotionally

I'll admit it, I've been an emotional nightmare to live with. One minute I'm standing over the beautiful moses basket thinking how amazing it will be when I can see my baby in there, and the next I'm having a huge cry over the fact that my eyelashes look 'excessive'. This is no joke, I put on false lashes for my Baby Shower, thought they looked too much and burst into tears and had to be calmed down with an ice lolly ahahahaha!

Matt has been beyond patient. He fetches me drinks and pillows and runs me baths (the only place I can be where my lower back doesn't ache) and even painted my toenails for me the other day now that I can't reach them easily myself!

Cool Stuff

I have practically everything I need now. The last little bits are nursing bras (I bought 2 but they feel like straight jackets so I need to exchange them) and maybe a bottle cleaner and to work out how to use the steriliser.

I'm reading lots of good baby books at the moment, which I may do a separate post on.

I was given soooo many gorgeous things at my baby shower and have also been sent some great bits (will defo do a video on these, or Zoe might come and kill me!)

I've been playing the bump lots of music and she really reacts to it- it's amazing! She wiggles about and I like to think she is dancing and smiling and being all like "yyeaaahhhh, I love this song!".

I've probably missed lots out but I'm sure you'll hear more now that we're on the home stretch so to speak.

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Yesterday I was one VERY lucky lady. I was invited to an event hosted by MAC Cosmetics at London Fashion Week at Somerset House and had the most exciting day ever!

I'm going to talk about it in 2-3 posts because I want to tell you EVERYTHING so you feel like you were there too, but this one is just a quickie because I'm more tired than a sloth on sleeping pills.

At one point during the day, we were given the chance to have our makeup done by one of the makeup artists, in any look we wanted- yabbadabbadooo! Now, seeing as I have been in a bit of a rut lately, doing the same looks over and over, I asked the artist (Natasha from the Dublin store- a cosmetic genius) to do strong red lips, as this is something I have never had the nerve to do myself.

I seem to be totally incapable of taking decent pictures of my own face, so here are my shoddy attempts and at the bottom I'll tell you what Natasha used.

Ok, so I look a bit mental here but I was having a 'bleaugh moment' and forgot to smile/use my face at all hahaha. This was taken in the mirror of the MAC media booth (which by the way, was heaven. Actual heaven).

This is Natasha the Makeup Goddess. She gave me so many brilliant tips that I would never have thought of and I really feel excited about trying some new things out.

So, what did Natasha use to create this look?

Lips

Lip Pencil in Cherry

Lipstick in Red Russian

Clear Lipglass

I need to buy all of these the moment I have some mula! They are wonder products for sure!

Face

NW25 Pro Long Wear Concealer

Medium Care Blend (not entirely sure what this is)

Fling Brow Pencil

Eyeliner- which I think was Fluidline but obviously I had my eyes shut! ahaha

Anndd I already had my own mascara on.

It was so fun having my makeup done by a professional and I'm looking forward to telling you all more about the day.

Thursday, 17 February 2011

Do you remember when I posted about my love for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser HERE? Well, those crazy gals at Liz Earle were kind enough to read my review and then send me the next two steps in the range, which I was over ze moon and zo stars about now that I'm such a convert! Eep!

A while ago I asked you all what the point of toner was, so it was good luck that you all answered before this product arrived, otherwise I'd be fumbling around in the dark for something to say like a blind mouse.

I have been informed, by none other than you clever Bloggerinos, that the purpose of toner is to remove any remaining yuk from the skin, close the pores and prepare your skin for moisturising. Now that I know this, I am much more inclined to use toner and much less clueless- thank you!

I love this toner. It doesn't smell the same as the Cleanse and Polish (which is a shame because I am in love with the fragrance of that one), but does still smell mature and sophisticated. I go through phases. Sometimes I like the funky vivid smells of Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly and Snow Fairy, and sometimes I like a more grown up scent.

The packaging, like all of this range, is very bathroom friendly- pastel greens with unoffensive silver writing, lovely. Also, I like the cap of the bottle. Rather than take the whole cap off, you twist the lid and tada, a little nib where the toner comes out of, allowing you to control the flow of product and prevent wastage. A bonus in my books.

I have only ever used one other toner before (Lush Breath of Fresh Air) so I am by no means an expert in this field, but I know what I like, and I like this. It feels refreshing but doesn't make my skin tingle and it doesn't leave me feeling all tight and horrid- this is a big thing for me because my other one does leave me running for the face cream post haste!

I can't say I noticed that it removed any remaining yuk from my face, but I really do think this is because the Cleanse and Polish kit deals with everything and does such a good job that there is nothing left to remove.

Phewf, who knew I could talk about toner for so long?! Sorry!!

Skin Repair Moisturiser

I'm in love. Fact.

I used to use Lush Dream Cream religiously because I enjoyed the thick, non oily consistency. Then Baby Glitter started making my tum her home, my sense of smell went gaga and Dream Cream became Nightmare-Vomit-At-The-Smell-Of-It Cream. I had been using a Vaseline body lotion in it's place because I could bare it, but this. is. brilliant!

The scent is subtle yet fragrant- I'm yet to put my finger on it but all I can think of is that it smells 'clean'. Does that make any sense? I hope so!

This product sinks in beautifully, especially after using the 2 prior steps the routine, but I have also used and enjoyed it after a little makeup wipe cleanse (sometimes I just don't have the energy for a full routine/I'm lazy).

It leaves my skin feeling revived, soft and I have noticed my foundation sets very well over the top of it.

Win win win.

Links are at the top for each product but for the whole Liz Earle site and prices (I didn't include as they are different depending on sizes), click HERE.

Wednesday, 16 February 2011

A few days ago I was contacted by new and upcoming jewellery designer who asked if I would like to see some of her work. I had a look on her website, chatted to her about her inspirations and materials and felt it was something that you snazzy Bloggerinos would definitely be interested in.

Lucy of www.lucymaydesigns.co.uk has designed a whole host of items from bridal bodices to bracelets and hand makes them all using machine embroidery, swarovski crystals, glass beads and pearls.

Lucy takes her inspiration from looking at historic wedding garments and enjoys to base ideas on paisley patterns, bees, hearts and flowers.

I was kindly sent a butterfly hair clip that I think is very well made and a lot of time and talent has clearly gone into it. It's purple with a green iridescent shimmer and is adorned with purple sparkly threading detail, tiny black beads and gorgeous sequins. I also like that is has a bit of movement to it, in that the wire has been manipulated to make it a bit more 3D, rather than being flat as a pancake.

A very well crafted piece that I am glad to add to my collection and urge you to go and have a look at her WEBSITE, not just to see what pretty and unique pieces you could pick up, but also because I think it's great to support young British designers rather than always lining the pockets of bigger corporations (although I am guilty of this too! haha).

Have you had a look? What did you think?

Also, I have uploaded a new Curvy Girl OOTD on YouTube, which you can view HERE.

Monday, 14 February 2011

You will have seen a zillion of these, so I will keep it short, I just couldn't not profess my love for it.

This is 'It's Raining Men' shower gel from Lush and is from the limited edition Valentines range.

I took the picture from Google Images because I can't bring myself to waddle upstairs, take some pictures, upload them, ra ra ra. Will you ever forgive me/the bump?

This shower gel smells exactly like 'Honey I Washed The Kids' soap and I LOVE it! I'm much more of a shower gel than block of soap gal, and I'm really into sweet honey smells at the moment so this is just perfect for me.

It lathers nicely, makes me feel all cosy and happy and the scent lingers- what more could you want?

I'm afraid I can't give you a price because the UK site is still down and the USA site doesn't feature it, so it's a good excuse for you to get down to your nearest store and grab one before they all go! I've had mine a few weeks and am using it very sparingly...I may need to purchase a backup....

Happy Valentines Day! Did you get something nice or are you anti smooshyness this year?

I have uploaded two YouTube Videos that I thought you might like to check out. One is a short Outfit Of The Day for a Casual look and the other is what I'm packing to take to the hospital in a few weeks for the delivery of Baby Glitter- oohh it's close!

Sunday, 13 February 2011

With so much time on my hands before Baby Glitter makes an appearance, I'm going to try and make a few more YouTube videos. Sometimes though, when I make them, I feel a little bit like they might be a bit boring or you might think "why on earth are you devoting ten whole minutes to this?". I think I'm having a little crisis of confidence.

So, here are some videos I am thinking of making this week, and I'm asking you to tell me what you would or wouldn't like to see. Feel free to add suggestions, although I still have a list as long as my arm from the giveaway ones!

Videos I had planned to make are if you're game:

1. Pregnancy Update

2. Baby Shower Haul

3. Pregnancy on a Budget Tips

4. Top Tens (pick a product and I'll give you my top ten favs that I have of it etc)

Friday, 11 February 2011

Today I'm announcing the winner of my Belated 1000 Follower Lush Gift Set Giveaway. I'm a couple of days late but have good reason- I've been in the worst pain ever and ended up in hospital!! Drama drama drama! In a nutshell, Baby Glitter and I are alright, although she is in a funny 'back to back' position and I've strained my stomach muscles (lordy knows how!).

So, thank you to every single Bloggerino who took part, I've loved reading your hopes for 2011. Passing exams, getting good jobs and passing driving tests seem to feature heavily in your goals, and I have taken note of your video and post requests.

Of course there could only be one winner, who was chosen at random, and she is...drum roll please...

EMMA!

Emma said:

This year, I have a busy year planned and I hope to achive all that I have planned! :-)

I am aiming to save for a deposit on a new house, go on a lovely holiday with my boyfriend, also go to Dublin with a friend, also go to V-Festival again this year!Plus.... Go to The Fat Duck Restaurant! Whoop! Now I just need to find the money to do all those things!!

Emma I will be emailing you today to find out your address and get your Gift Set on it's merry way!

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Prices INCLUDE postage and packaging (which will be padded envelope, acid free coloured tissue paper and some sparkles- pretty pretty).

Paypal Only. Please pay within 24 hours. Simply leave a comment with what you would like and your paypal email and I will invoice you.

For sale.....

MAC Sense of Style Kohl Power Eye Pencil (from the Love Lace Collection). Used once and sharpened for freshness. I think it's a dark grey but many have described it as a darkened blue-teal. Maybe I'm colour blind.

£7.99 inc. P&P.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Spandex. Never used, still in box.

After a lot of loooong posts recently, I felt like doing an easypeasylemonsqueezy weheartit jobby.

I'm eagerly awaiting Spring. Birds are tweeting in the morning, it's still light when Matt gets in from work (I'm on Maternity Leave now- hooray) and soon we'll be in floaty tops and I'll have my Baby Glitter.

With all this in mind, I typed 'Spring' into weheartit.com and here are my favourites.

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

As you will know, I am on my quest for perfect skin- the holy grail for many.

I was fortunate enough to be sent three products from the Witch Skincare range and I thought I'd share my opinions on them with you.

Now, before I get going, I want to clear something up. There has been a lot of hohar of late in the blogging community about Beauty Bloggers receiving products for free to review. Some think it's unfair, perhaps some are jealous, some feel Beauty Bloggers only blog for these perks, some think it means you've 'sold out' to receive and review these things. Well, let me tell you where I stand on the issue, because it is something I have become increasingly conscious of.

I didn't start Sprinkle Of Glitter for freebies. Fact. If you look to the start of this blog (way back in September 2009) you will see that I actually started it as a craft blog, as this is a passion of mine. After 6 months of blogging about crafts, I decided to blog about my other big passion- beauty. I still do craft posts, although not as many as I'd like because my craft room is filled up with baby stuff at the moment! As my blog grew, companies began to contact me and ask if I would like to review their products. I won't lie to you Bloggerinos, I do want to! I think it's nice to try out new things that a) I might not have been able to afford (especially now I'm spending my pennies on nappies and onsies) and b) I might not have thought to add to my collection and c) allows me to do more varied Lou's Reviews for you on. I ALWAYS give my honest opinion, my loyalty is to every single Bloggerino who has hit that follow button, NOT to the company that sent the product. I don't sign contracts, I don't get paid, I don't get told what to do. I just get sent an item, try it, tell you what I think, and then provide a link to it's site so that you can have a look yourself if you want to.

Phewf! I'm glad I got that off my chest. Onto the review!!

Witch Blemish Pen

This is a little squeezy tube with an attached synthetic brush applicator. When you squeeze the tube, a clear medicated gel oozes (I love that word oooooooooooooooooozes) out of the brush applicator and you apply it to your spot. The idea is that the gel will magically reduce the spot in 2 hours.

Lucky for me, I have that 8 month pregnant glow, and don't have any spots at the moment, buuuuttt dun dun dunnnn Matt had one- hurrah- so he was my tester. I was pretty sceptical about this. I have seen a million products that claim to reduce redness, size, soreness, visibility etc, so was interested to see if this would be any different.

Matt applied the gel and his first thoughts were that it smelt like alcohol. After a few hours (I didn't time it but it wasn't a whole day), the spot really did look smaller and less obvious! I think it looked like it has dried out, which would explain the alcohol smell.

I like the packaging- bright, airy and not overcomplicated.

I haven't really had any further opportunities to use this, but in my limited experience, it seems pretty good, and if I were to get any little lurkers, I'd zap 'em with this! Mwahahaha.

Witch Cleansing and Toning Wipes

These cleansing and toning wipes are my favourite of the three items. Despite my best efforts (I swear), to use my proper cleanser each night (Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish review HERE), there are times when I just want to flop into bed and not bother. In these lazy times, a cleansing wipe is a god send. I usually use Johnsons 3 in 1, No 7 if I've had one of those £5 off vouchers, or MAC if I've been splashing out, so I was eager to try these as I have pretty high standards for a wipe!

Firstly, it has to be wet enough. There's nothing worse that dragging a dry wipe round your face as you end up scrubbing and really not making your face happy. Tick. These are nicely moist (vile word there) and feel really fresh on the skin.

Secondly, they have to remove my makeup. These wipes easily remove my skin makeup, eyeshadow and primer but do struggle a bit with mascara, as do most I would say. I've only ever found 2 brands that can tackle my mascara (I do love it so) and that's MAC and Johnsons, so I'm not upset by this.

Thirdly, they have to smell nice. I'm uber fussy about fragrance. These wipes smell super zingy and like they are really giving your skin a deep clean. A winner in my books.

Whilst we all know it's best to do a proper cleanse, tone and moisturise, if you're in a rush, on the go or just a bit lazy, I feel these would be a welcome addition to your life.

Witch Concealer

Containing natural tea tree and witch hazel, this concealer is designed to cover blemishes but also work towards reducing them.

When I first heard this, I was really excited because if you look HERE, I have a real problem with redness in my cheeks. I'm not sure if I have mild rosasea or just naturally flushed cheeks, but I really would like to have a nice normal skin tone and not to have to either hide it with foundation or fake tan.

This is a concealer pen that comes in a plastic tube that you swizzle to make more product come up. Simples. The consistency of the 'stick' is much like a lipstick. Obviously solid and dry but then becomes creamy on contact with the skin. I would say the coverage is light to medium and easy to blend.

I quickly realised that unless I was going to use vast amounts of this (practically crayoning it all over my cheeks) that this wasn't the miracle cheek product for me. It is for more specific areas of redness or blemishes. Unfortunately for the review (but fortunately for me!) I don't really have any specific areas of redness or blemish that I would like to cover up, so I have just been using it as an under eye concealer. It has a medium coverage and blends nicely. Woop.

If you would like to have a looksie at these items for yourself, click HERE. You can also buy Witch Skincare from places like Boots, Superdrug and big Supermarkets- easypeasy!

Have you tried any of this range? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

ps. I hope this post doesn't sound too disconbobulated, Baby Glitter is making me feel really dizzy and sick today so I'm not on top form :(

Louise Pentland

Louise Pentland

hi

Oh Hai!
Welcome to the oldest blog online. Not really but it feels like!
Sprinkle of Glitter was started by me, Louise Pentland, in 2009 as a place to document my love of life, review products and experiences and discuss the highs and lows of motherhood.
Mostly now you'll find me over on my YouTube Channels (Sprinkle of Glitter and Sprinkle of Chatter) or Twitter and Insta (@LouisePentland) but this blog will always be my first love.
louise@gleamfutures.com or louise.pentland@hotmail.co.uk.